New Anne Arundel County executive dismantling camera network

Laura Neuman: Monitoring of 500 security cameras must change

Incoming Anne Arundel County Executive Laura Neuman said she has shut down a computer system used to monitor security cameras, and she fired a contractor who oversaw the system and reported to ousted former County Executive John Leopold.

The new county executive said 530 cameras were being monitored. She said the cameras appear to have been installed in public areas, such as county buildings, and aren't a problem by themselves.

So far, no listening devices or microphones were found. The man who oversaw the program said there weren't any.

"Unconventional. It certainly didn't pass my comfort test," Neuman said. "Cameras in and of themselves are not a problem. The problem in this situation is that there were over 500 cameras installed in three different areas throughout the county, and they were all being monitored by an individual reporting directly to the county executive with no accountability to the police department."

Neuman said she found out about the system on her first full day of work when the person keeping watch over the system saw her parking her car and then came out to greet her.

"It prompted me to ask questions about his role in county government and what he did for the county," Neuman said.

The contractor, William Hyers, showed Neuman he monitored the cameras from a small office inside the county government center. Neuman then fired the contractor.

Neuman said Hyers reported directly to her predecessor, Leopold.

In describing the system, Hyers said, "I worked my heart out to build the system and made the county more secure. The cameras were used to improve and enhance security in buildings. There had been thefts from offices and prostitutes working out of the bathrooms in the basement."

Neuman defended her actions.

"We just want to be transparent. It's my belief that good government is transparent government, and the intention is really to uncover the locations of all the cameras and the intention of the camera system," she said.

Hyers said he made monthly reports and turned them over to superiors in the intelligence program. Anne Arundel County police said they received a running log, but it only focused on camera maintenance.

County officials said police searched county offices and have not found anything improper, but an investigation is continuing. Maryland State Police said they are also investigating.

Leopold resigned earlier this year after he was found guilty of misconduct in office.

Neuman said the cameras should remain on but should be monitored by Anne Arundel County police.